The Indomitable Spirit

Felicity’s War by Jean Fullerton is an absolutely marvellous historical novel that held my attention from the start. It is the third book in The Stepney Girls series but can be read as a stand-alone. I recommend reading the previous books for character continuity and progression.

The action is set in the east end of London during 1941, and therefore, at the height of the Blitz. The indomitable bulldog spirit is alive as the people pull together. Up all night as the bombs fell, the community still goes about its’ daily duties. Ordinary life continues.

There are those who take advantage. We witness the black marketeers and looters in action. As if housing being destroyed wasn’t enough, the criminals take advantage and the food prices rocket.

Leading lady, Fliss, is a woman ahead of her time. She writes for a newspaper, is active in the Labour party, wears trousers and campaigns for fairer prices for food. She even finds time to organize a peaceful protest which turns ugly due to an over-zealous young policeman. Despite being a thoroughly modern miss, cupid’s arrow can still hit its’ mark.

The police force has much to contend with – even more so in wartime than peacetime. Some go about their tasks with due diligence. Others are like a bull in a china shop.